NASCAR prize package up for grabs today

NASCAR opened up ticket sales today for the end-of-season fan extravaganza "After The Lap" in Las Vegas, which also includes a chance for one lucky fan who will win a VIP prize package that includes a trip to Las Vegas and a brand new 2013 Ford truck.

Campers and RV's started filling up the Dover International Speedway earlier this week as fans from near and far started pouring into town for this weekend's races.

And, in addition to the non-stop action on the track this weekend, NASCAR also announced that tickets have gone on sale for the popular fan event, "After The Lap," which will take place Thursday, Nov. 29 at 8 p.m. in Las Vegas, NV at PH Live at Planet Hollywood.

The event is a fully interactive experience that combines the top 12 "Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup" drivers with fans. Last year, 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart surprised everyone in attendance by driving his car into the venue. Later in the evening, Jeff Gordon put on a spontaneous break dancing performance that lit up social media platforms throughout the country.

Norris Scott, Vice President of Partnership Marketing at NASCAR, said that "After The Lap" is one of the crown jewels of the Sprint Cup Series Champion's Week.

"Our top drivers take their helmets off and celebrate the season with our fans, resulting in a wildly entertaining evening and a unique platform for two of our long-standing partners, Ford and Coca-Cola," Scott said.

Local fans in Dover may be wondering what a fan event in Las Vegas has to do with them.

Well, when tickets went on sale, NASCAR also opened up the gates for a chance-of-a-lifetime sweepstakes opportunity for one lucky fan, who will win a grand prize package that includes a 2012 Ford F-150 FX4 truck, round-trip tickets for two to Las Vegas, two nights at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino and two VIP tickets to the NASCAR "After The Lap" event.

Each chance comes with a $20 price tag that benefits the NASCAR Foundation, a non-profit that raises funds to support children's charities and other causes throughout the nation. Entries can be purchased at www.nascarafterthelap.com and will be available until Sunday, November 18 at 2 p.m.

The event is sponsored by Ford and Coca-Cola. Tim Duerr, motorsports marketing manager for Ford Racing, said that his company is looking forward to being a part of "After The Lap" again this year.

"The NASCAR 'After The Lap' Sweepstakes offers Ford invaluable interaction with NASCAR's broad fan base and we encourage them to register for a chance to win a 2013 Ford F-150 FX4 truck," Duerr said.

For the fans unable to attend, www.nascar.com will offer a live stream of the event. SIRIUSXM Radio subscribers will also be able to listen to the event live on SIRIUSXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.